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1. What is recycling contamination?

Contamination occurs when garbage or other similar items are disposed of improperly in the brown recycling container. When you are not sure whether an item is recyclable, check out the Recycle list Yes-No (PDF). You can also send an email to the Solid Waste and Recycling Manager, or discard questionable items in your green garbage container.

2. Why is reducing recycling contamination so important?

• Contamination costs you more in the end
  • The materials in your brown recycling container are taken to the sorting facility at the Waste Control Recycling Center, and ultimately to end-market recyclers. Placing garbage or other similar items into your recycling container will contaminate other recyclables and potentially entire loads of good, marketable material.
  • By reducing recycling contamination, we can save on sorting and processing costs, and receive more revenue from the sale of the recyclable materials. By reducing recycling contamination, we could potentially help offset future rate increases.

3. Why can’t we put our recyclables in plastic bags?

While plastic bags are recyclable, they are not accepted in Longview’s curbside program. There are two main reasons why plastic bags are not accepted:

• First, plastic bags mixed with other recyclables can jam the sorting equipment at the Waste Control Recycling Center.
• Second, and more importantly - it’s a safety issue. Most plastic bags are a solid color - either black or white. Workers on the sorting line cannot see the contents in the bags and unfortunately, used needles and hazardous materials have been found. So, help keep employees safe and do not place your recyclables in plastic bags.

4. What can I put in my brown recycling container?

To avoid contaminating your recyclable material, view the Recycle list Yes-No (PDF) for detailed information, or send an email to the Solid Waste and Recycling Manager if you have a specific recycling question.